Arman Tsarukyan was expected to be part of the UFC’s White House event. According to him, the plans changed quickly once the promotion looked deeply into the potential matchup.
He has not fought ever since he submitted Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 in November. Despite not contending on an active note, he has been progressive behind the scenes, pushing for a title opportunity, and even volunteering as a backup fighter for the upcoming lightweight title bout.
UFC’s original plan scrapped
Arman Tsarukyan shared that the UFC initially offered him a fight against Michael Chandler for the June 14 card, according to him in the PBD Podcast.
“They called me for (Michael) Chandler. They wanted to put me against Chandler.”
The fight did not become reality. He believes it was reconsidered after evaluating how their matchup will play out.
“And then they understood that it’s bad for Chandler, and he’s representing the U.S. It’s like 99.9 (percent) that I’m beating him, and then they put (Mauricio) Ruffy.”
Watch the podcast here
No news on Arman’s next matchup
Tsarukyan remains in limbo as the division moves forward. He made it clear countless times that he is going for the belt and willing to step in. This context also includes serving as the backup for champion Ilia Topuria and challenger Justin Gaethje.
For now, his name and legacy stays in the mix. If anything changes on fight week, Tsarukyan expects the call could still come.
Michael Chandler is now set to face rising contender Mauricio Ruffy.
What do you think? Who will Arman fight next?